§ Mr. W. TAYLORasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the refusal of the wholesale butchers in Birmingham to allow home-killed beef to be graded or marked in the corporation meat market, he will make inquiries into the matter?
§ Dr. ADDISONThe Birmingham wholesale butchers informed my right hon. Friend on the 22nd instant that they would not allow their beef to be graded and marked on and after the 31st instant, and they have refused the Minister's invitation to discuss the matter. The general position of the national mark beef scheme in London and Birmingham is being investigated by an Inter-Departmental Committee appointed by the Minister and the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Birmingham traders appeared before that Committee on 20th May without, however, giving any indication of their intention. The Committee has nearly concluded taking evidence and will shortly report. The action of the Birmingham wholesalers is manifestly inimical to the interests of the producers as well as to those of the public.